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The infidelity internet site faces litigation from plaintiffs who want to stays unknown and state the company’s accounts removal solution ended up being a fraud.
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In what’s being a common tale, hackers yet again have actually revealed a massive amount of information that is personal from a corporate database, supposedly for activist concludes. Like with the hack on Sony Pictures in November, the lawsuits against Ashley Madison comprise quick to follow along with.
At least six problems were filed in national courtroom against Avid Life mass media, the mother or father providers with the infidelity websites, over hackers’ disclosure of info from about 32 million users, such as charge card data and sexual preferences. “We understand research regarding lawsuits getting registered against Avid lifetime news. Avid lives news Inc. will tackle any court within the suitable message board,” a business enterprise spokesperson says to The Hollywood Reporter.
The litigation resembles the string of eight class-action problems that present and former Sony employees recorded within the hack regarding facility (a few of which happened to be consolidated into a federal activity now in payment procedures. Others in county legal take hold). In both circumstances, the people whose ideas hit the internet state the hacked providers performedn’t would sufficient to secure their own facts and dismissed the hackers’ dangers, compelling states like intrusion of confidentiality and neglect.
But hunt nearer together with differences come right into see. For one thing, the Sony legal actions (and data violation situations against Target, Home Depot alongside large companies in recent times) don’t are in danger of plaintiffs hoping privacy to hide their membership on the webpage. The six problems happened to be submitted in aliases “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” but there’s no promise the courtroom will permit the plaintiffs to keep private. “i believe that will be a challenge for finding somebody lessons agent,” claims Jonathan Steinsapir , an L.A. litigator.
If privacy will prevent the Ashley Madison plaintiffs, they have various other strengths. “in a few ways it is uncomplicated to prosecute the statements,” claims Scott Vernick , specialized on data security lawsuit. According to him the litigants will deal with much less problem demonstrating appropriate standing and damage on several reports.
Vernick advised The Hollywood Reporter in January Sony could protect the legal actions by saying the plaintiffs should apply for worker’s settlement in an independent courtroom. (Sony has actuallyn’t employed the protection at this point.) There’s no such possible out for Avid, that was sued by subscribers as opposed to staff.
Nor will the Ashley Madison plaintiffs face the Sony workers’ trouble showing genuine damages (not only the risk of potential hurt), a standard obstacle in hacking litigation. (Sony’s protection at this point has questioned whether previous employees can prove identity theft resulted through the hack.) Some Ashley Madison users paid the company to remove their particular profiles, but reportedly the organization charged them $19 without removing information that is personal like address and beginning times. “No problem with showing a personal injury here,” states Vernick . “That’s a real, real out-of-pocket control.”
Cheating Site Ashley Madison Face $578M Canadian Class-Action Suit
It might obtain the company in some trouble with all the federal government, says Patrick Fraioli , another L.A litigator. The litigation coincide with a court decision Aug. 24 granting the Federal Trade Commission control of corporate cybersecurity . The FTC can find passionate scammed users because of the charge for profile deletion. “Those regulating fines were larger. They don’t adore it whenever you sit to customers,” claims Fraioli . He notes the FTC might defer to Avid’s residence nation: “It’s not like Canada doesn’t provide a shit. Canada cares at least as much about privacy while the U.S.”
A number of the issues range from the rarer declare of infliction of emotional worry, which requires plaintiffs to prove extreme or extended disruption, often with the testimony of medical experts. “[Emotional worry accusations for hacking] are reports for which you begin to state, ‘they couldn’t imagine any such thing better?’” claims Steinsapir . “This is the exclusion where, ok, I get they.” Research are already circulating of suicides linked to the Ashley Madison problem, producing health proof of mental stress perhaps not seem not likely.
Also the considerably general carelessness declare can be easier for the Ashley Madison plaintiffs to show because of the site’s emphasis on confidentiality. Carelessness states were evaluated against a “standard of worry” representative from the safety measures a “reasonable” person would expect. Because confidentiality is actually central to Ashley Madison’s company, lawyers foresee the jury would pick Ashley Madison’s “standard of treatment” uniquely higher. “If your questioned each and every person who utilized that website, they might state, ‘of training course I thought I was here privately,’” states Fraioli .
Still, the plaintiffs likely will face bias perhaps not within the rest of the Sony meets as long as they go to demo (that they probably won’t, given the record of hacked firms deciding the following lawsuits). “Legally the claims might-be coequally as good as the Sony reports, but psychologically there’s will be most effectiveness them,” says Steinsapir. “Judges are human beings and jurors are people. They Could envision the folks complaining were, getting superficial regarding it, worst people.”


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Emirati Livaat-Verse has announced the launching of the First Arab Verse Summit this coming 23rd of January. The summit is a real metaverse global event and the first of its kind as a fully virtual event in the world.
The summit shall connect Arab & Global Metaverse business leaders and experts all together in one virtual space (DVEC) to discuss the trends, advancements, and challenges in technology implementations that will eventually determine the future of metaverse and its applications.
The Arab Verse Summit is taking place at Livaat Verse’s own exhibition center, Dubai Virtual Exhibition Center (DVEC). The center is the first and largest virtual exhibition of its kind in the world in terms of space, participants, and global competitiveness. Exhibitors, Speakers and visitors will be able to live the experience and interact from anywhere in the world through the Livaat-Verse virtual reality platform.
The DVEC offers an all-in-one platform of virtual event solutions that provide an immersive 3D experience, which simulates real life. The center facilities consist of virtual exhibition halls, virtual auditoriums, and virtual meeting rooms, allowing exhibition participants to design virtual exhibitions and interactive booths to display products and services through fully branded virtual stands.
The official “Arab Verse Summit” website taking place on DVEC is (www.arabversesummit.com).

domain: news


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The Real Reason Gas Is So Expensive? The US Needs More Refineries
No US president has been reelected with gasoline prices above $4 a gallon, and the price at the pump is almost $4.70 this summer. It's the single biggest economic threat to Joe Biden's presidency. Biden's first response was urging OPEC to raise global oil supplies, with some success. He tried to shame US shale drillers, too, for failing to put rigs back to work, with less success. Then administration officials began to confront an arguably bigger and longer-term obstacle to reining in the fuel prices that have sent inflation to the highest level in decades: America's refining complex is in decline.
Should You Tip New Jersey Gas Attendants? (Opinion)
People are feeling the Biden economy across the country as middle-class and working-class families struggle with out-of-control costs as inflation tops a 40-year high. It's understandable in this current climate that people are trying to protect and conserve every dollar. So I asked the question on the show about tipping. There seems to be a trend in the Garden State of people tipping the gas attendant.
FDA Sends Warning Letters to Synthetic Nicotine Product Manufacturers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its first two warning letters to manufacturers for unlawfully marketing non-tobacco nicotine e-liquid products without the required authorization. The two companies that received the warning letters were AZ Swagg Sauce LLC and Electric Smoke Vapor House. In March, legislation was passed that gave the FDA authority to regulate synthetic nicotine products. Manufacturers, distributors, importers and retailers of tobacco products containing non-tobacco nicotine (which is nicotine not made or derived from tobacco, such as synthetic nicotine) must ensure compliance with applicable requirements under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. In addition, anyone who manufactures, compounds or processes synthetic nicotine products must register as such with the FDA and list all these tobacco products that they manufacture, prepare, compound or process for commercial distribution.
N.J. Is Close To Gas Falling Under $4 A Gallon. What's Driving The Drop? How Low Will It Go?
A month ago, filling your gas tank was like getting a hard slap across the face when looking at the final tally, as prices peaked over $5 a gallon in New Jersey and the nation. Now, a petroleum expert says New Jersey could be 72 hours away from dipping under the $4 a gallon mark for the first time since early March. Set your watch. "I think the first stations will fall under $4 a gallon in New Jersey in the next 72 hours or so," said Patrick DeHaan, Gas Buddy petroleum analyst.
1 Big Thing: Gas Stations Evaporate
The number of gas stations has been in steady decline for decades. Volatility in gas prices - along with the rising popularity of electric vehicles - will squeeze them even further, Axios' Felix Salmon reports. Several California cities have banned new stations. But most gas stations aren't owned by big multinational corporations. The ups and downs of fuel prices are cutting into many of their bottom lines. Gas prices, after spiking upwards, have now declined for 30 consecutive days, per GasBuddy. That's good news for drivers, but terrible news for gas station owners.
'The New Normal'? In NJ, Higher Prices May Be Here To Stay, Economists Say
With prices rising at their fastest rate in more than four decades, the question is on the mind of every driver, homeowner, shopper and saver in New Jersey: Where will it end? In the Garden State, gas prices have spiked 44% in the past year. The cost of a new car in the New York metro area jumped 16% in June from a year earlier, according to the U.S. Labor Department. Meat, chicken, fish and eggs climbed 10%. Housing costs were up 4%. Economists expect the pain to drag on at least through the end of the year. Volatile energy and food prices may come back down, but some of the eye-watering increases are likely here to stay.
Consumers See Some Relief at the Pump
Gas prices continue to fall, with the U.S. average retail gasoline price at $4.47 per gallon-the first time in nine weeks the average price has been below $4.50, according to AAA. Prices are falling due to a decrease in demand and lower global price for oil. "Global economic headwinds are pushing oil prices lower and less expensive oil leads to lower pump prices," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. "And here at home, people are fueling up less, despite this being the height of the traditional summer driving season. These two key factors are behind the recent drop in pump prices."


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Features of Suzhou Int'l Expo Center in 2006
China International Cycled Economy Exposition
Scheduled from July 8 to 10, "2006 China International Cycled Economy Exposition (Suzhou) and Symposium on Statutory and Policy Research on Cycled Economy" will be held at Suzhou International Expo Center and the opening will be announced by Sheng Huaren, Vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress. About 20,000 m2 exhibition area and 800 Chinese and foreign enterprises will display the achievements in China's cycled economy, cooperation and exchanges in advanced experience, technologies, and concepts of cycled economy.
2006 Suzhou International Industrial Exposition
2006 Suzhou International Industrial Exposition will be held at Suzhou International Expo Center on October 25-28, in the mode of "guidance by government, coordination by industrial associations, sponsored by enterprises, and operated by market rules", to exhibit the latest new and hi-tech technologies, products, and modern equipment, with the participation of over 370 enterprises from Germany, Switzerland, UK, USA, Spain, Austria, Czek, Korea, Italy, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Taiwan, and some 15 provinces in Mainland China. The exposition will be applied by many advanced enterprises as platform to release their latest products.
China International SME Fair
More and more overseas enterprises chiefly represented by those from Taiwan have entered China in swarms in recent years seeking suppliers of accessories to their products for the superior cost-effective operation, thus resulting in what is known as "Suzhou mode". "Seamless interface with the industrial chain of Fortune-500" is the brand new concept launched at "2006 China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair", and coordination and backup service will be a chief innovative way of the exhibition, divided into 5 sections: backups and cooperation with manufacturing enterprises, import and export and international financing, chain alliance, scientific and technological industrialization, and SME management.
China International Patent and Famous Brands Exposition
From July 26 to 29, 2006, the 3rd Suzhou International Patent and Famous Brands Exposition" will be held at Suzhou Int'l Expo Center, under the sponsorship of National Patent Bureau and the People's Government of Jiangsu Province. Professional and comprehensive sections are combined at the exposition. Special features of the exhibition will be "experimentation cities for intellectual property rights", "enterprises with famous patents and brands", "enterprises with famous trademarks", and "ten best patented enterprises in China", etc. A seminar on independent innovation will be held simultaneously.
2006 eMEX China
Jointly sponsored by Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Information Industry, State Council Office for Taiwan Affairs, and Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, 2006 eMEX China is scheduled for the fifth time on October 18-20, 2006 at Suzhou Int'l Expo Center. Based on the superior position of the electronic IT industry in the Yangtze delta region, eMEX Suzhou has become one of the most important exhibitions on electronic IT industry with the participation of the world's best-known IT manufacturers.
IC China 2006
IC China and Symposium has been successfully held for three times as a professional exhibition on globalized IC industrial chains and a grand annual gathering of China's semiconductor manufacturers. The event for this year will be in the coming September. The exposition will demonstrate the scale, technological level, and new projects in China's semiconductor industry, and provide an opportunity for domestic and overseas enterprises to promote their corporate profiles and to display their latest products. It is also a partner-seeking gathering for well-known international companies and domestic IC entrepreneurs. Simultaneously be held will be summit symposium and a series of seminars on semiconductor technologies.
July 17, 2006


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- Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart screens, trailer released
- Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance announced for PS4, coming 2015
- Forza Horizon 2 – Storm Island now live, adds 5 rides, 90 events, more
- Physical version of Divinity: Original Sin now on store shelves
- Shields up! Total War: Rome II – Wrath of Sparta DLC now on Steam
Fancy A Date?
Daily Archives: July 26, 2010
THQ has announced that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, the upcoming third-person shooter in development at Relic, will be making its way to the PC next year. Previously announced for the 360 and PS3, all three versions are scheduled to ship …


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Bryant sued Goldin Auctions and told the company to cancel its June auction. The Los Angeles Lakers guard said his mother, Pamela, did not have the right to sell his memorabilia. Only six items remain in the auction.
Bryant's parents, who had contracted with Goldin to sell the items, apologized in a written statement.
"We regret our actions and statements related to the Kobe Bryant auction memorabilia," Joe and Pamela Bryant said in the statement provided by a publicist. "We apologize for any misunderstanding and unintended pain we have caused our son and appreciate the financial support he has provided over the years. We also apologize to Goldin Auctions for their inadvertent involvement in this matter and thank them for their assistance."
Goldin Auctions said they can still make more than $500,000 combined from the items still available for auction. The auction house said that auction will include jerseys worn by Bryant when he played for Lower Merion High School, two NBA championship rings from 2000, and his 2000 NBA All-Star Game ring.


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Photo Courtesy of Lamborghini
Ferrari isn't alone, however, in recording a profitable 2013. So too has Lamborghini, the company based in nearby Sant'Agata Bolognese. Now part of the enormous Volkswagen Group, Lamborghini was established as a foil to Ferrari, but isn't anywhere near as large. Where Ferrari delivered 6,922 new cars last year, Lamborghini produced just 2,121. That's still a big number for an outfit as small as Lamborghini, though, which only has two standard-production model lines to Ferrari's four (not counting seven-figure, small-run editions like the new LaFerrari or Lamborghini Veneno).
Though Lamborghini did not report how much profit it made last year, it did report its revenues at 508 million euros. That's closer to Ferrari's annual profits than the 2.3 billion in revenues it reported last year, but still paints a picture of a lucrative business. This is despite having discontinued the most successful model in its history in November, the Gallardo, to make way for the new Huracán, selling more Aventadors to make up for it and recording the most V12 supercars it has ever sold.
"In the year of our 50th anniversary, Lamborghini has delivered a very satisfying performance, confirming the strength of our product and commercial strategy," says Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. "Today the company is driving towards the future from a very solid economic base. With our very attractive and new model mix, ongoing high investments of more than 20 percent of our total turnover into R&D as well as continuous investments into factory premises and the recovery of the markets we anticipate a new phase of solid global growth into new dimensions in the short and long term."


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Millennial Esports Completes Purchase of Controlling Interest in Eden Games
GlobeNewswire • January 16, 2018
TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Millennial Esports Corp. ("Millennial Esports" or the "Company") (GAME.V) announced on Monday that it has completed the purchase of a controlling interest in French video game publisher, Eden Games. As a result of the Company’s largest investment, all Eden Games properties, including the wildly popular mobile racing game Gear.Club, are now part of Millennial’s intellectual property assets. The Company also announced that it has received a commitment from industry pioneer Global Blockchain Corp. to invest $5 million into Millennial Esports’ blockchain initiative.
The purchase of Eden adds another dimension to the integrated Esports ecosystem Millennial Esports is building, while also providing the Company with an immediate ongoing stream of revenue generated by Gear.Club, which has been downloaded more than 6.5 million times. With the investment in Eden Games, Millennial Esports is now amongst the few revenue-generating Esports companies with assets in events, research and analytics, facilities, intellectual property, and mobile and console game publishing capabilities.
“Eden’s incorporation into Millennial Esports will provide an instant revenue stream,” said Millennial Esports CEO, Alex Igelman. “We are focused on diversifying both our industry and global footprint, and this is another big step for us to cover all key, profitable elements of the gaming and Esports sectors.“
Simultaneously to finalizing its investment in Eden Games, Millennial Esports received investment and commitments totalling $7 million from Global Blockchain, an investment company that provides investors access to a mixture of assets in the blockchain space, strategically chosen to balance stability and growth. Under the terms of the agreement, Global Blockchain Corp. will immediately invest $2 million into Millennial Esports, while committing a further $5 million to become lead investor in Millennial Esports’ previously announced blockchain initiative.
“Adding not only investment, but also expertise, from a leading blockchain-focused investment company like Global Blockchain will be key to the success and integration of Millennial Esports’ blockchain initiative and assets,” said Igelman. “With a management team comprised of blockchain pioneers who are widely respected within the investment industry, we are honoured to have Global Blockchain as our partner.”
Global Blockchain’s management team consists of industry leaders - including founders and early adopters of blockchain projects - with insights and experience going as far back as the beginning of the blockchain. Focusing on opportunities to capitalize on the growth of the blockchain ecosystem, between holdings in existing technologies, and holdings in technologies that do not yet exist, Global Blockchain is geared to maximize potential in a sector where new potential is being discovered on a regular basis.
“The blockchain initiative that Millennial Esports is working on is very exciting and is one of the biggest motivating factors behind our investment,” said Global Blockchain CEO, Rik Willard. “Millennial Esports is perfectly positioned to benefit from blockchain technology with access to the more than 20 million viewers of its O’Gaming platform and the almost 7 million users of Eden Games’ Gear.Club. That is an immediate potential user base of almost 30 million people.”
Eden Games recently released Gear.Club Unlimited, a console version for the Nintendo Switch, which has sold more than 10 million units worldwide. Plans are in the pipeline for PlayStation and Xbox versions, while the mobile version of Gear.Club continues to grow at a significant pace. Eden’s acquisition adds to the market leading expertise of Millennial Esports company IDEAS+CARS in the Esports racing vertical. Millennial Esports can now offer full service integrated solutions to gamers, brands, and partners in the exploding Esports racing market.
“With a management team second to none in Esports, Millennial Esports will give Eden the firepower we need to deliver some huge live projects and plans in the coming months and years,” said Eden Games CEO, David Nadal. “To work with Darren Cox on Esports racing properties has already been fantastic, while smashing our sales expectations on our Nintendo Switch game shows that our 5-year strategy with Millennial Esports is progressing in the right direction.”
“Eden’s move into mobile games was well timed and allows Millennial Esports to deliver some very strong commercial properties going forward. I am excited to announce big news for Eden and Millennial Esports in the coming weeks - our pipeline of activity is significant,” agreed Millennial Esports CMO, Darren Cox. “Combined with the investment of Global Blockchain and the incredible potential of our blockchain initiative, 2018 promises to be a very exciting year for Millennial Esports and our shareholders.”
Ideas + Cars
Further to its acquisition of IDEAS+CARS Ltd. on July 27, 2017 and the engagement of Darren Cox as the Chief Market Officer of Millennial Esports and the Managing Director of Millennial Esports Europe, Millennial Esports has agreed to issue 415,116 common shares to Darren Cox at a deemed price of $0.86 per common share. The completion of this transaction is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Millennial Esports Corp.:
Millennial Esports provides turnkey global solutions that cover gaming technology and studios, event management, research and analytics, content production, and broadcasting.
- MillennialEsports.gg is the premier operator of tournaments and building communities by and for gamers.
- IDEAS+CARS, based out of Motorsport Valley, UK, provides industry leading knowledge and intellectual property in the burgeoning and increasingly lucrative Esports racing genre.
- Eden Games is part of Millennial’s offering in motor sports and Esports racing. The innovative French video game publisher took the mobile gaming world by storm with the release of Gear.Club, an immensely popular racing game that has been downloaded more than 6.5 million times. Gear.Club Unlimited was recently made available as the first realistic racing game on the Nintendo Switch.
- O’Gaming TV, based in Paris and a part of Alt Tab Productions, is an Esports video content production and events company, and a major player in live French-language esports streaming.
- thE Arena at Neonopolis is Las Vegas’s first permanent Esports venue. The 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility accommodates more than 1000 people in comfort and provides technical services including facilities, expertise, and manpower for clients such as EA, Amazon, and Microsoft.
- Stream Hatchet, operating out of Barcelona, Spain, offers complete Esports data analytics solutions. The company focuses on providing actionable intelligence in a format that is easy to understand at a glance.


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Quad/Graphics debuts predictive direct mail technology
September 24, 2018 By PrintAction Staff
Quad/Graphics in March introduced a new technology platform for testing direct marketing designed to lift response rates, increase reliability and shorten time to market.
The testing platform, called Accelerated Insights, is a virtual platform that can test up to 20 content variables in one pass that uses a persona matrix that combines demographics with emotional characteristics to predict what factors motivate someone to act on an offer, Quad/Graphics explains, noting that all of this can be accomplished without a physical mailing.
“Marketers have been following the same testing methods for decades, many times with disappointing results,” said Scott Harvey, Quad/Graphics Senior Vice President of Marketing Solutions. “This technology creates a roadmap for campaign creative that tells marketers exactly what is most important to customers and prospects.”
In addition to the persona matrix, the Accelerated Insights testing platform relies on a vetted pool of millions of survey respondents, differentiated based on hundreds of characteristics. The technology draws from that pool to create survey panels that mirror direct marketers’ target consumers.
The panels are presented as mailing packages that each have multiple variables. Based on the panels’ responses, a proprietary algorithm predicts which combination of format, offer, messaging and imagery will be most successful. With that information, marketers can determine the most cost-effective package before sending out a single piece of mail. The Accelerated Insights testing platform has been in limited release for the past two years, used by customers in a range of business categories including financial services, insurance, healthcare and retail.
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Financial services are on IT's cutting edge.
Articles about Banking
The costs involved in adhering to regulatory changes in Australia's financial services sector are making it hard for companies to invest in technology innovation, according to findings in the latest FSC-DST CEO Survey Report.
Westpac has appointed former CBA Core Banking Modernisation executive general manager Dave Curran as its new CIO, effective September.
Suncorp Life's chief information officer, Fiona Floyd, has left her role with the company, as it undergoes internal restructuring efforts.
The largest banks in the country will partly replace their own kit by cashpoints that serve customers of other institutions.
Investors from failed Bitcoin exchange express anger following the first creditors meeting in Tokyo where questions remain unanswered over how US$500 million worth of the digital currency went missing.
IT Manager's Tool Kit V3 and Essential IT Forms is a compilation of two of TechRepublic's most popular downloads. IT Manager's Tool Kit V3: Another popular TechRepublic CD back in electronic...
Stripe has launched in Australia aiming to take on PayPal and to be a solution for merchants not only at checkout but to run their entire business.
Westpac New Zealand is striking its own path with a digital wallet based on Host Card Emulation, saying it will put the bank at the head of the curve.
Big Blue and Monitise have inked a deal to expand in the cloud-based mobile solutions field.
Dell said it's accepting the cryptocurrency on Dell.com in a pilot that partners the computer giant with the Bitcoin processor Coinbase.
New York has published its proposals for how a new framework for Bitcoin companies, putting a lot more red tape around the emerging industry.
Coles has launched its own mobile wallet, integrating an NFC contactless payment sticker, smartphone app for iPhone and Android, its existing Coles MasterCard credit card program, and its Flybuys loyalty card program.
Cuscal and CUA have avoided the complexities related to the secure element of an Android phone by launching the redi2PAY mobile payment app featuring Host Card Emulation technology.
The NZ$64 million buyout of New Zealand-based M-Com in 2011 delivered what Nasdaq-listed banking technology giant Fiserv describes as its "crown jewels" - advanced mobile payments and banking technology.
RSA researchers uncovered a massive botnet fraud operation that has reaped nearly $4 billion through man-in-the-browser attacks that seamlessly intercept payment of Boletos -- Brazil's version of a money order.


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Couche-Tard to acquire Circle K HK from Convenience Retail Asia for $360m
Alimentation Couche-Tard, a Canadian convenience store chain, has agreed to acquire Convenience Retail Asia (BVI) (Circle K HK) for HK$2.79 billion (nearly $360 million) from Convenience Retail Asia, a Hong Kong retailer.
Circle K HK is the operator of a network of Circle K-licensed convenience stores. The network includes 340 company-operated sites across Hong Kong and 33 franchised sites across Macau.
Couche-Tard said that the deal is said to mark a major milestone as it gives a platform in Asia for launching its regional growth ambitions.
Presently, Circle K HK has the second largest market share in Hong Kong, said Couche-Tard.
Brian Hannasch – President and CEO of Couche-Tard said: “Circle K Hong Kong is one of the best convenience store operators in Asia and will be an excellent fit within our company. We are excited to partner further with their highly advanced team in terms of innovation, loyalty, private label, retail execution and ability to grow market share.
“Upon closing of this transaction, Couche–Tard will reach a milestone in its strategic ambition of entering the high growth Asia–Pacific market with a first-rate management and operations team, which has the credibility, experience and capabilities to support future expansion in the region.”
Circle K HK started operating in Hong Kong in 1985 and is managed by Convenience Retail Asia, which under a franchise deal with Couche-Tard, holds the exclusive right to the use of the Circle K brand in Hong Kong.
Richard Yeung – CEO of Convenience Retail Asia said: “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Couche-Tard. Having the brand owner directly involved in the business will create new opportunities for the brand and our staff.
“I am grateful to the management and employees of Circle K Hong Kong for their dedication over the past decades and am excited that they will be joining a multinational industry leader who shares our commitment to serving the local community.”
The deal, which is expected to be wrapped up by the year-end, is subject to customary closing conditions such as the approval by Convenience Retail Asia shareholders, regulatory clearances, and others.


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New data suggests that Bitcoin (BTC), which is seen as panic buying by retail investors has been increasing. But, all may not be as it seems.
William Clemente (Blockware’s lead insights analyst) tweeted on April 4 that there was a significant spike in BTC supply by smaller hodlers.
2022 Retail FOMO rise “an exception”
Often referred to simply as “retail”, entities with less than 1 BTC are more likely to be mainstream consumers than institutional or corporate investors.
Glassnode’s on-chain analytics firm has shown that these smaller players have significantly increased their share in the total supply of Bitcoins by 2022.
Clemente warned that such events are usually associated with macro price tops. However, given the recent BTC/USD behavior this time seems unlike any other.
“This chart is really fascinating. Retail (0-1 BTC), is currently buying at the second highest rate in Bitcoin’s history,” said he.
“Looking at retails’ holdings most spikes have coincided avec macro tops but on many occasions they have bought strategically. This spike is an exception.”
Annotated chart of Bitcoin retail supply ownership Source: William Clemente/Twitter
Glassnode indicates that every segment of the retail brigade, from the largest 0.001 BTC to the smallest, has been growing its market share over the years, with a significant surge in effect since mid February.
Now, there are nearly 800,500 BTC controlled by entities that own between 0.1 and 1 BTC.
“Either the world is ending or retail has decided to save money with Bitcoin and stay out of the fiat currency system. Clemente said that the optimist in me believes it to be the latter.
BTC/USD chart: 0.1-1 BTC entity supply owner vs. BTC/USD chart. Glassnode
Bitcoin’s price has risen to $50,000, and the trading range for 2022 has been extended. Short-term investors — those who have been in the market for less than 155 days — now hold a greater portion of the profitable supply.
Glassnode data indicates that short-term investors who go from losing to profit on an investment have also been accompanied by price tops in the past.
Chart showing the profit and loss of Bitcoin. Source: Glassnode
While no one is Googling Bitcoin
Although attention has been paid to investor behavior at the important on-chain volume level of near $50,000, Bitcoin still receives little mainstream attention.
Related: BTC Starts 2022 All Over Again — 5 Things to Know in Bitcoin This Week
Google Trends data for worldwide searches in Bitcoin shows less interaction since last November’s all time highs.
Google suggests that the trend is not only down but also that Bitcoin will continue to have the lowest relative search volume for years.
Global Google search data for “Bitcoin”, screen shot Source: Google Trendscom. You should do your research before making any investment or trading decision.
Eileen Wilson –Technology and Energy
My Name is Eileen Wilson with more than 5 years of experience in the Stock market industry, I am energetic about Technology news, started my career as an author then, later climbing my way up towards success into senior positions. I can consider myself as the backbone behind the success and growth of topmagazinewire.com with a dream to expand the reach out of the industry on a global scale. I am also a contributor and an editor of the Technology and Energy category. I experienced a critical analysis of companies and extracted the most noteworthy information for our vibrant investor network.


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Online travel site, Wotif has launched its new ‘Aussie For Travel’ brand platform with ‘The Next Big Thing’, a community led PR and Social Media campaign. It is Ogilvy’s first piece of work with Wotif, in collaboration with WPP partners opr & Maverick.
For the past 18 years, Wotif has been focused on the Aussie traveller and is dedicated to promoting local travel. To mark the brands coming of age and to launch the new Aussie For Travel platform into the market, the ‘Next Big Thing’ will see an Australian town, city or suburb gifted with a new tourist attraction, known as the ‘Next Big Thing’.
The structure – to be backed and voted on by the nation – will join the ranks of 150+ unique Australian icons including the Big Banana and the Big Pineapple, aiming to support the domestic tourism industry and help drive money back into the local economy.
Ewen Pettit, strategy director, Ogilvy Brisbane says, “The brand proposition speaks directly to a nation of passionate travellers and the Aussie for travel platform positions Wotif as a trusted travel mate in-the-know. For many Australians, the Wotif brand is synonymous with travel. Backed by 18 years of data and local knowledge, Wotif has supported Aussie travel experiences and knows what makes Aussies tick”.
The ‘Next Big Thing’ campaign recognises ‘Big Things’ are, in fact, celebrated Aussie icons and widely-considered as part of our domestic travel culture. Wotif research shows 80 per cent of Aussies believe these structures are ‘uniquely Australian’ and showcase the fun-loving spirit of our nation, while 90 per cent of Aussies have visited a Big Thing in their lifetime.
Daniel Finch, Wotif Managing Director says, “Wotif is passionate about encouraging Aussies to explore more of their own backyard and we are excited about launching the new platform with an initiative that creates genuine engagement and participation from individuals, tourism boards and local councils all across Australia, each of which have their own story to tell.
“From the Big Bin Chicken (Ibis) in Sydney, to the Big Peanut in Kingaroy, to the Big Kilt in Glen Innes, since nominations commenced we’ve received thousands of entries and widespread involvement from Aussies vying for their town, city or suburb to be crowned the home of the ‘Next Big Thing’,” continued Mr Finch.
The ‘Next Big Thing’ launched via Facebook and a landing page www.wotif.com/nextbigthing, is supported by PR, Experiential and Digital.


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Australia’s forest industries representatives will convene in Canberra this week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic’s worldwide impact on trade and commerce, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chair, Mr Greg McCormack, said today.
“It’s critical that representatives from across the full-value chain of Australia’s forest industries meet again in person to discuss future directions as we emerge from the impacts of the pandemic which has caused major disruptions to sections of our industries,” Mr McCormack said.
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) will this week host meetings in Canberra for member businesses and organisations across the sector, including a Members’ dinner tonight at which Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Hon. Dan Tehan will give the keynote address.
“The pandemic has presented many challenges for our forest industries, but it has also highlighted the essential role we play in providing vital products and services to all Australians – from food and freight packaging, timber and building products, and year-round bushfire mitigation,” Mr McCormack said.
“With another Federal Election approaching, we must speak with a united voice to show decision makers that when our forest industries thrive, it directly benefits the tens of thousands of Australians who rely on us for their livelihoods, ensures we continue to produce the products that Australians need, and supports a cleaner, greener future.”
Mr McCormack highlighted China’s trade ban on logs from Australia, the exclusion of fibre industries from the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, the remaining barriers for forestry plantations to fully participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), and the ongoing uncertainty for native forestry operations as a result of lawfare from activist groups, as issues the Federal Government needs to work with industry to resolve.
“Australia’s forest industries support 180,000 jobs nationally, contribute $24 billion annually to Australia’s economy and play an enormous role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. We have an excellent working relationship with the Federal Government and Opposition and need that to continue so the economic and environmental benefits of our industries continue long into the future,” Mr McCormack concluded.
The original media release is here: 210323_Forest_industries_meet_in_Canberra_ahead_of_next_Federal_Election__


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Editor's note: This article is part of Inc.'s 2015 Best Industries report.
In the beginning, Pete Williams grew medical marijuana in his basement. He grew strains with names like White Widow and Sour Diesel, and it was good. Eventually, Pete's older brother Andy joined him and the business soon became too big for the basement. Five years later, Medicine Man is one of the largest and most successful cannabis dispensaries in the state of Colorado. With two retail locations, one in Denver and the other in Aurora, the company produced 7,000 pounds of pot and made $8 million in revenue in 2014.
The Williams brothers--along with their sister, Sally Vander Veer, who helped with Medicine Man's launch and came on as CFO in 2013--are one of the many success stories in Colorado's $1.5 billion legal weed industry. According to a report by Convergex Group, the state's 300 licensed marijuana businesses generated $350 million in revenue in 2014, a figure that's expected to grow by 20 percent this year.
Out of the basement.
In 2008, the recession crippled Pete's custom tile business. After 18 years of marriage, he and his wife got divorced, and he needed to make money to support his two children. A friend gave him 16 pot plants, each one small enough to fit inside a Dixie cup, and told him there's good money in "caregiving," or growing weed for medical patients. A born tinkerer, Pete built a complex grow system incorporating hydroponics and aeroponics techniques. That first year, he made $100,000 out of his basement selling to dispensaries.
President Obama declared state-legalized medical cannabis a "low priority" for law enforcement the following year. That's when Andy came down to the basement with a plan. "I'll be the businessman and you be the green thumb," Andy, now the president and chief executive of Medicine Man, remembers telling Pete.
With a loan of just over a half-million dollars from their mother, the brothers leased a 20,000-square-foot space in a warehouse in Denver's Montbello neighborhood and built a state-of-the-art hydroponics-based system. At that time, the brothers were selling wholesale, but in December 2010 a new law was enacted requiring cannabis growers to sell their product directly to customers. Andy and Pete built a dispensary in the front of the warehouse and ceased their wholesale business.
By 2013 Medicine Man was able to buy the warehouse and had generated $4 million in revenue. But with the legalization of recreational marijuana on the horizon, Andy knew the company needed to raise more money to expand their grow facility and up production in preparation for a spate of new customers. He pitched cannabis angel investor network ArcView Group in California and secured $1.6 million in funding.
"Andy was the right entrepreneur at the right time for an investment opportunity. At the end of the day, it's clear Andy thought all the way through the pieces of the puzzle," says ArcView CEO Troy Dayton. (Neither Dayton nor ArcView is a Medicine Man investor.) "In a nascent industry, companies get traction not only when they are early but when they are a great business and composed of great people--Andy has both."
On January 1, 2014, the first day sales of recreational marijuana were officially legal, Medicine Man sold 15 pounds of pot and made close to $100,000. Meanwhile Pete, Andy, and Sally have been looking ahead to a day when cannabis becomes legal nationwide. To ensure another revenue stream, the trio created Medicine Man Technologies, a consulting firm that offers turnkey packages to entrepreneurs who want to start pot business. Medicine Man Technologies, which has helped clients build medical facilities in New York, Illinois, Florida, and Nevada, will become a publicly traded company on the over-the-counter market this summer.
The challenges of being a potpreneur.
In spite of the safe haven Colorado has created, pot businesses still face at least two major hurdles: First, until major banks decide it's safe to bring on marijuana clients, the businesses must deal exclusively in cash. Medicine Man, which says it brought in $50,000 a day in December, has had to invest heavily in security measures. Its two locations are equipped with a total of more than 100 cameras trained inside and out, as well as bulletproof glass and doors. The company has also hired security company Blue Line Protection Group to supply armed guards for the dispensaries and warehouses, and armored trucks to run money from the safe to pay bills, the government, and vendors.
Cannabusinesses also face extremely high taxes, in some cases exceeding 50 percent. But thanks to Pete's super-efficient grow operation, which produces a gram of marijuana for the comparatively low cost of $2.50, Medicine Man has been able to slash prices for the customer while staying profitable--so even after the state takes its cut, the company's margins are 30 to 40 percent, Sally says.
It's easy to look at the Williamses, or watch them on MSNBC's reality show Pot Barons of Colorado, and believe they have the life. The trio seem to be sitting on top of the Mile High City's legal weed industry, but they didn't get up there without personal sacrifice. For example, Andy's decision to give up a stable job to launch Medicine Man cost him his marriage.
"One thing people don't understand is that the entrepreneurs who started the industry in Denver are pioneers in the truest sense. What it takes to be a pioneer is vision, the ability to see something, and the courage to go after it despite the risks," he says. "The risks weren't just about money--they were about our reputations, our freedom, and our families. People risked everything for it."
After years of dealing with all those risks and sacrifices, the Williamses now say they're ready to put their feet up and enjoy the rewards of building the "Costco of marijuana." The siblings are currently in talks with private equity firms regarding an acquisition. They put the current value of the 80-employee business at $30 million, and say it will bring in $15 to $18 million in revenue in 2015.
"We began this whole thing with an end game in mind," Pete says. "We're all in our late 40s and we don't want to work for the rest of our lives."
He adds that they're willing to sell their majority stake, but they'd like to hang on to 5 to 10 percent. "If we don't sell out, [an acquiring company] will buy our biggest competitor," he says. "If we hook up with the right people, Medicine Man can be a household name like Pepsi or Coke. [People will say,] 'Go get me a pack a Medicine Mans, honey.'"


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China, which is perfectly integrated into the global technological landscape, after updating its Data security law and Cyber-security law in 2017, is focusing on its data protection system. Just last August, on the 20th, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress approved the PIPL, Personal Information Protection Law.
This new privacy law will come into effect on November 1st and it will aim to reduce data collection from citizens. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from the European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation; EU 2016/679), it will also seek to protect them more against companies.
The PIPL consists of 70 articles where the main themes fall on transparency, fairness, data accuracy, accountability, purpose limitation, minimization and limited retention. The affected categories are both Chinese companies and entities that direct their business out of China while interfacing with the Chinese data protection system.
What is changing in China?
Chinese companies should face changes imposed by the new data protection law, such as:
– consent, which should be as transparent as possible to express the true will of citizens;
– the limitation of protection only for the fulfillment of purposes. Moreover, they will have to delete information once the legal basis for its use and storage no longer exists;
– the right of access;
– hiring of a data controller.
These laws, however, do not include the right to data portability, which would prevent users from encrypted transmission of their data to the final companies. The reason for this is linked to the impact that this would have on the power of China’s most powerful platforms.
Of course, there is no shortage of penalties for those who will not comply with the new law. In fact, at the moment, substantial fines of 5% of annual turnover are expected, but also the suspension or closure of the business license, depending on the seriousness of the transgression.
The consequences for Chinese big tech companies
On the tech landscape, Chinese companies, such as Alibaba, Tencent, or Didi, will face a completely new management of their businesses. In fact, they know they have to adapt their way of dealing with users and their standards to the new law in the shortest possible time.
Also, on the international level, it seems that the law brings changes for foreign companies active in China: probably they won’t be able to exchange information about their users’ profiles if their headquarters are located on territory other than China without first obtaining approval from the Chinese authorities. That’s because outside of China the same standards on data protection are more flexible.
Such approval should be required also for citizens’ personal data when transferring them to foreign courts or law enforcement agencies. The consequences, in this case, consist of sanctions and inclusion on an ad hoc list.
>> READ ALSO: INVESTING IN CHINA: THE 4 GOLDEN RULES FOR TMALL
The effects of the data protection law for Italian companies
According to the first information that have emerged, although the law entails adapting to the new regulations, Italian companies whose online sales and communication management takes place on Chinese marketplace and social network should rest easy: the data policy updates fall on Chinese tech companies. The biggest changes, in Italy, should instead affect companies that are used to managing such data themselves.
In the case of proprietary e-commerce, for example, companies will necessarily have to comply with the new legislation introducing PIPL. At the moment, it seems that foreign companies in China – including Italian ones – will have to be in possession of specific documents, which may be requested by Chinese authorities in case of controls. In particular, they will have to be able to prove that customer and contact data were collected with the users’ consent.
In addition, if the company doesn’t have an office in China, it should hire a corporate representative present there, a role that will likely be assigned to local partners. Although it is not yet clear, companies will also have to comply with new rules regarding data transfer to foreign countries – e.g, a company’s headquarters. Users should be guaranteed maximum transparency and information about how their data will be processed and for what purpose.
So, we have to wait until November 1st to understand what the real consequences will be for companies that want to develop business in China. In any case, to avoid ending up on a blacklist, companies will have to make sure they comply with the new regulations introduced by PIPL as soon as possible.


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Businesses Say Lack of Customers, Supply Chain Shortages, Employees Among Biggest Concerns in Crisis
Posted on April 16, 2020
Central New York businesses are finding more challenges the longer the corona virus shutdown continues. But some are finding help and even looking toward the future.
Centerstate CEO Thursday released results of a business survey. Among his members, President Rob Simpson, not surprisingly, found the lack of customers the among the biggest concerns.
Read the full article on https://www.waer.org


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BlackBerry services are down for some customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, RIM has said.
The outage for the email, web-surfing and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) service has not yet been explained, although an apologetic RIM said on Friday morning that it is investigating the cause.
The timing of the incident is unfortunate, as it comes not only just before the anniversary of last year's disastrous four-day downtime, but also on the release day for Apple's iPhone 5.
The problems were initially reported mid-morning by Vodafone customers, but the operator reportedly said RIM was at fault. Comments on the BlackBerry UK & Ireland Facebook page suggest that some Vodafone customers are still able to access their services, while others are having trouble getting those services over Wi-Fi or the mobile network.
RIM is not the only handset company to be affected by such troubles. Apple's iCloud service went down for almost two days last week for many customers, and Google's Gmail had a significant hiccup earlier this year too.
The question now is for how long RIM's outage persists. Last year's downtime was notable not only for its duration, but for the lack of communication from the company regarding its cause.
That paucity of information, paired with a very belated apology from RIM's management, was arguably a key factor in the defenestration of co-chiefs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie a few months later.
UPDATE 16.10 BST: RIM reports that the outage is now fixed.


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How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed the Wedding-Planning Process for the Immediate Future
COVID-19 has changed virtually every element of modern-day life, including how we celebrate its biggest milestones. The wedding sphere—and the long list of vendors who make it spin on its axis—has been particularly impacted. "The past two years have been incredibly challenging for the wedding industry," says Vanessa Vierra, the owner and creative director of the Southern California-based destination firm Vanessa Noel Events. "We went from a drought to trying to drink out of a fire hose in terms of volume and demand." For the newest cycle of brides- and grooms-to-be, this shifting landscape has led to all kinds of tangles: The supply chain has slashed rental and flower availabilities; a backlog of couples still waiting to tie the knot has virtually eliminated weekend event dates in many popular locales; and vendors, tied up with a double client load, are simply booked.
Even as the world continues to find its footing amidst a new variant, it's important to remember that weddings find a way as long as expectations are managed and precautions are taken. Ahead, an in-depth look at the current state of the wedding industry—and, as a result, what couples need to know as they plan their own big days in the face of shortages in every category and the ongoing pandemic.
Venue availability is tight.
According to Chanda Daniels, creative director of her eponymous California-based firm Chanda Daniels Planning and Design, venue availability is arguably the most noticeable pandemic-induced change. "Since venues all have 2020 couples who, by obligation, have to be taken care of first, all the prime dates have been taken off the calendar," she explains. "We are planning two seasons in one." This can be an emotional problem, she says, since most duos are connected to a date; when their first-choice venue can't accommodate it, the search starts all over again. Breaking this vicious cycle comes down to flexibility, says Vierra, who points to weekday weddings as a solution.
Vendors are in ultra-high demand and carrying unprecedented workloads.
"Vendors are beyond fully booked," says New York City-based wedding planner and event designer Jove Meyer, noting that—like venues—photographers, videographers, planners, designers, and florists alike have more have postponements and new celebrations on their calendars. "It is getting harder to find great vendors for 2022 weddings, as so many are fully committed, if not over-committed!" If crafting a specific wedding team is a priority, newly engaged duos should investigate 2023 dates, as a vast majority of providers have closed their books at this time.
Supply chain shortages have impacted everything from flowers to rentals.
Depending on where couples live, they very well may experience a reduced flower selection; as farms struggle to ship fresh goods across the country (and world), floral designers have a reduced palette to work with, note our experts. The same goes for lighting, production partners, rentals, and linens. These limitations are directly connected to the greater forces that have impacted everything from furniture backorders and extended packaging shipping times—getting people and things from point A to point B in the current climate is simply a much greater feat than it used to be.
Costs are up across the board.
"When there are supply issues, prices go up; when there are labor shortages, prices go up; and when demand exceeds availability, prices go up," says Meyer. "The simple fact is that weddings will cost more in 2022 and couples have to be ready to pay more for what they want, as that is the economy that we are in at the moment and for the foreseeable future." If your budget isn't flexible, he continues, your guest count should be. Another alternative is to pull back in certain categories (think less flowers if your band is a bigger priority)—or to opt for an extended engagement, which gives duos more time to save for a higher-cost event.
The same goes for vendor services, particularly in the planning department. Wedding planners now build in contingency plans and re-plans, essentially preparing for multiple scenarios for a single event. According to Fallon Carter, a destination wedding planner with roots in New York City, full-service professionals are now "more full-service than ever" and are taking on tasks that go beyond their job descriptions to make it work (for example, her team has had to handle escort card script in-house due to last-minute changes). Adds Vierra, "We're used to weather back-ups, but now we have back-up plans for changing government regulations—we have created processes for multiple date changes, implemented protocols for vaccination checks, rapid testing, or both, and stayed in tune with shortages and supply chain delays to anticipate ways to present alternatives. As the dust has settled, we're all realizing that raising the bar must be accompanied by a financial raise, as well."
Flexibility, kindness, and communication are key.
The most important thing couples can do right now, says Daniels, is to be extremely flexible. "No one can really predict what's going on or how long this will last," she continues. "Be flexible and show grace to all creatives who are working extra-hard on making these visions come to life within their own limitations." According to Meyer, part of this flexibility is knowing yourself and your own limitations: "Are you ready to dive into a process that is evolving as you go? Can you be flexible with what you want and when you want it? If not, then I say book your wedding for 2023 or beyond, as 2022 will be a little bit of a wild ride—and if that's not for you, I understand."
Carter notes that increased guest communication is another critical part of this new COVID-19 wedding-planning puzzle. These days, keeping your attendees informed of changing details and requirements goes far beyond the initial invitation: "It's important to know what to actually say to people and when to say it," she says, noting that new topics to hit revolve primarily around testing and vaccination requirements. To do so, direct loved ones to your wedding website and update it frequently to reduce confusion.
Despite these challenges, tying the knot on your own terms has never been easier.
Not every pandemic-driven change is scary or costly—in some ways, COVID-19 has invited duos all over the world to reexamine wedding traditions and timelines and encouraged them to craft more meaningful celebrations. "Many people eloped after one or two postponements. As a result, we saw a shift in the structure of the timeline of the wedding day," says Vierra. "Many couples who were already married opted not to repeat their ceremony or created a more casual vow renewal." From a personal perspective, Vierra appreciates this byproduct: "There's been a return to the very basic fact that a wedding is about two people in love coming together."
- 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
- In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
- The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
- Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades


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Montreal is to ramp up its tourism offering with an array of new flight routes and the opening of two luxury hotels planned for 2019.
Alexandra Leclerc, director of international business development and media relations for Quebec Original (NA400), said that a new Four Seasons hotel, opening in Montreal next March, will add to the city’s “current luxury hotel development boom.”
The Quebec city will also welcome a second luxury boutique hotel, the Birks Hotel Montreal later this year. The hotel will be housed in the famous Birks jewellery building and will have 120 rooms.
Montreal will also benefit from new flight capacity in 2019, including a new direct Aer Lingus route from Dublin to Montreal, which launches August 8.
Additional flights planned for next year include a new Air Canada Tokyo to Montreal flight, which launches in June, and an Austrian Airlines Vienna to Montreal route, which will take off on April 29.
Outside of Montreal, Leclerc said Quebec was focusing on quirky lodgings that offer “immersive, nature-based experiences.”
Options include a floating yurt in the Gaspesie region of Eastern Quebec, a lighthouse in Bas-Saint-Laurent and a tree house in the Laurentian Mountains.
These hotels are in line with the tourist board’s focus on outdoor experiences outside the main cities. “The forests and the mountains are within close distance from Montreal, and can be experienced all in one trip, which is a good selling point for Quebec,” she said.
The French-speaking region is celebrating a number of anniversaries next year, which it hopes will entice further visitors. These include the 50th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s bed-in, a non-violent protest against the Vietnam War that took place at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. Guests can stay in the hotel’s John Lennon and Yoko One suite, which features original artefacts, audio recordings and letters.
Next year also marks the 25th anniversary of Cirque de Soleil’s show, Alegria, which will return to the big top in the Old Port of Montréal on April 18, 2019, 25 years after its first performance. The show will then travel to Gatineau on August 1.


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A Virginia Beach Kmart is among 50 stores scheduled to close nationwide.
Sears Holdings confirmed Wednesday that the location at 1650 General Booth Blvd. would close by mid-April. The store began its liquidation sale late last month.
Spokesman Howard Riefs said the store's 48 mostly part-time employees can apply for open jobs at the area's remaining Kmart and Sears stores and, if eligible, receive severance.
Riefs said in an email that the store closures are "part of a series of actions we're taking to reduce on-going expenses, adjust our asset base, and accelerate the transformation of our business model."
Sears Holdings said in a financial filing Tuesday that the holiday shopping season had been challenging and reported same-store sales dropped 7.3 percent at Kmart stores in 2015 compared with the year prior, and dropped 11.1 percent at Sears stores.
The filing indicates the company will speed up closing unprofitable stores including, but not limited to, the roughly 50 stores it has announced would close.
Latest Consumer & Retail
Another retailer, Macy's, announced it would close three of its six Hampton Roads area stores early this year.
The Virginia Beach Kmart location is one of three closures in Virginia. The others are in Covington and Cedar Bluff. A Kmart location at 550 First Colonial Road in the Hilltop Square Shopping Center closed last year.
The company's plan to close 50 stores does not include any Sears locations in Virginia, Riefs said.
Kmart locations across the street from Pembroke Mall on Constitution Drive and on Fordham Drive at Kemps River Crossing remain open, as do locations in Norfolk, Chesapeake and Hampton.
Kimberly Pierceall, 757-550-1903, email@example.com


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By the end of 2020, LINK holdings by whales have declined around 10% but Chainlink price won’t be dumped
According to Santiment, by the end of 2020, whale’s hold LINK rate had decreased by about 10%. However, they did not dump LINK. At press time, Chainlink price is trading around $ 11.62, recording a nearly 14% gain over the past 24 hours.
? A year ago, #Chainlink‘s top 10 whales held 70.7% of the total circulating supply of $LINK. To close out 2020, they now hold 64.5%. This can be attributed to consistent new addresses being created on the network, & no apparent whale sell-offs in sight. https://t.co/OgQOK2clIs pic.twitter.com/mCjOSOJHkA
— Santiment (@santimentfeed) December 31, 2020
The amount of LINK held by whales since December 2019 has declined 10%, Chainlink price unaffected
The number of LINK whales owned by the crypto whales has decreased from 70.7% of the total amount in circulation to 64.5%. The reason is not that whales make any purchases. Instead, new LINK addresses are always generated when retail users are joining the ecosystem. The LINK’s supply bought by retail LINK investors has increased significantly throughout the year.
Elsewhere, according to Glassnode, the LINK exchange cash flow showed a significant increase over the past 24 hours, up to 102.5%. This metric value currently represents 103,127.608 LINK.
? $LINK Exchange Inflow (2d MA) increased significantly in the last 24 hours.
Current value is 103,127.608 LINK (up 102.5% from 50,920.474 LINK)
— glassnode alerts (@glassnodealerts) December 31, 2020
Earlier this year, the LINK price hit an all-time high of $ 19.32 on Aug. 16. After that, LINK dropped sharply and since then, it has been unable to recover to ATH or exceed it.
You can see the LINK price here.
- Chainlink Holders Have Continued To Accumulate LINK In A Manner That Shows Their Confidence In The Long-Term Future Of Chainlink Price
- OpenDeFi Integrates Chainlink Oracle On Mainnet To Price Tokenized Gold & Silver


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Acquia has named IBM iX, Big Blue's digital marketing services division, as a Global Select Partner.
In collaboration with Acquia, IBM iX can access cloud and open source digital experience tools to help customers update their businesses and improve customer experiences.
As the winner of Acquia's 2018 EMEA “Partner of the Year” award, this further solidifies IBM iX's commitment and ongoing partnership with Acquia on a global scale.
“Acquia remains one of IBM iX's digital ecosystem collaborators, allowing us to help provide our customers with the agile services and solutions they need to survive in today's fast-paced business environment,” says IBM iX general manager and global leader Matthew Candy.
“Through IBM and Acquia's combined strengths in open source cloud technologies, we now have the capability to leverage and transition our clients onto hybrid multicloud environments, ultimately helping to create higher-quality digital experiences.
Acquia provides IBM iX with the ability to help integrate existing investments for better customer experience.
Combining IBM iX's digital transformation knowledge with Acquia's expanded AI platform and capabilities for personalisation and journey orchestration, brands can help develop stronger connections with their audiences and build value in their brands.
IBM iX points to its creation of a global digital marketing solution for Centrica Business Solutions to highlight the value it can generate with Acquia.
Centrica released regional websites in nine new marketplaces in five languages over 12 months and went from managing five content management systems to executing multi-site capability and governance with Drupal on one platform powered by Acquia Cloud Site Factory.
Working with IBM iX, Centrica Business Solutions configured its Drupal CMS and integration with both Pardot and Salesforce.
Acquia recognised IBM iX's project with Centrica Business Solution as an Acquia Engage Award winner for B2B Digital Marketing.
“We've had a number of great successes together in the marketplace already, helping to change the way consumers engage with brands,” says Acquia global channels senior vice president Joe Wykes.
“We share a common heritage – a deep commitment to open source – and drive to deliver powerful solutions for global brands. Putting our strengths together, we provide customers with a combination of experience, energy and technology know-how.


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January 20, 2017
After reading Search Engine Journal’s, “The Evolution Of Semantic Search And Why Content Is Still King” brings to mind how there RankBrain is changing the way Google ranks search relevancy. The article was written in 2014, but it stresses the importance of semantic search and SEO. With RankBrain, semantic search is more of a daily occurrence than something to strive for anymore.
RankBrain also demonstrates how far search technology has come in three years. When people search, they no longer want to fish out the keywords from their query; instead they enter an entire question and expect the search engine to understand.
This brings up the question: is content still king? Back in 2014, the answer was yes and the answer is a giant YES now. With RankBrain learning the context behind queries, well-written content is what will drive search engine ranking:
What it boils to is search engines and their complex algorithms are trying to recognize quality over fluff. Sure, search engine optimization will make you more visible, but content is what will keep people coming back for more. You can safely say content will become a company asset because a company’s primary goal is to give value to their audience.
The article ends with something about natural language and how people want their content to reflect it. The article does not provide anything new, but does restate the value of content over fluff. What will happen when computers learn how to create semantic content, however?
Whitney Grace, January 20, 2016
January 20, 2017
Just a quick honk about a little Google feature called Popular Times. LifeHacker points out an improvement to the tool in, “Google Will Now Show You How Busy a Business Is in Real Time.” To help users determine the most efficient time to shop or dine, the feature already provided a general assessment of businesses’ busiest times. Now, though, it bases that information on real-time metrics. Writer Thorin Klosowski specifies:
The real time data is rolling out starting today. You’ll see that it’s active if you see a ‘Live’ box next to the popular times when you search for a business. The data is based on location data and search terms, so it’s not perfect, but will at least give you a decent idea of whether or not you’ll easily find a place to sit at a bar or how packed a store might be. Alongside the real-time data comes some other info, including how long people stay at a location on average and hours by department, which is handy when a department like a pharmacy or deli close earlier the rest of a store.
Just one more way Google tries to make life a little easier for its users. That using it provides Google with even more free, valuable data is just a side effect, I’m sure.
Cynthia Murrell, January 20, 2017
January 19, 2017
I believe everything I read on the Internet. I am so superficial. Perhaps I am the most superficial person living in rural Kentucky. The write up “The Google-Facebook Online Ad Cartel is the Biggest Competition Problem” seems to be the work of a person who specializes in future Internet competition. He has worked for presidents and written op eds for “real” journalistic outfits. I am convinced… almost.
The main point of the write up is that Facebook and Google operate as a cartel. I highlighted this statement:
Google commands ~90% market share of mobile search and search advertising. It protects those monopolies with an anti-competitive moat around Alphabet-Google by cross-subsidizing the global offering over 200 expensive-to-create, products and services for free, i.e. dramatically below Google’s total costs. Those many expensive subsidized products and services make Google’s moat competitively impregnable, because no competitor could afford to recreate them without a highly profitable online ad business, and the Goobook ad cartel forecloses that very competitive possibility.
The statement echoes Chaos Monkeys, the tell all about the high flying world of Silicon Valley.
I also noted:
In early 2013, Facebook launched its alternative to Google search, called “Facebook Graph Search” in partnership with Microsoft’s Bing search engine. Then in 2014, Google and Facebook obviously, abruptly, and relatively quietly, chose to no longer directly compete with one another. In the first half of 2014, Google reversed course in social, defunding Google+, ending its forced integration, and announcing the shutdown of Orkut, Google’s 300 million user social network. In the second half of 2014, Facebook quietly dropped its Facebook Graph Search alternative to Google search and its search partnership with Microsoft’s Bing.
One consequence is:
Goobook’s customers – advertisers — pay higher ad prices and have less cohesive and effective ad campaigns under the Goobook ad cartel than they would have if Google and Facebook continued to compete. No material competition to keep them honest, also means Google and Facebook can avoid third party accountability for the core advertising activity metrics that they use to charge for their ad services.
The net net is that US laws and policies:
favors free-content models over paid content models, ultimately produces monopolies and monopolies colluding in cartel behaviors that are hostile to property rights. Monopsonies [sic] de facto forcing property owners to offer their property for sale at a wholesale price at zero, is anti-competitive and predatory. Free is not a price, it’s a subsidy or a loss.
No monopoly word. The cartel word is the moniker for these two esteemed outfits grouped under the neologism “Goobook.” WWTD? Oh, that means “What will Trump do?” Perhaps the Trump White House will retain the author as a policy adviser for cartels?
Stephen E Arnold, January 19, 2017
January 18, 2017
Everyone’s New Year’s resolution is usually to lose weight. When January swings around again, that resolution went out the door with the spring-cleaning. Exercise can be a challenge, but you can always exercise your search skills by reading Medium’s article, “Google Search Tricks To Become A Search Power User.” Or at least the article promises to improve your search skills.
Let’s face it, searching on the Web might seem simple, but it requires a little more brainpower than dumping keywords into a search box. Google makes searching easier and is even the Swiss army knife of answering basic questions. The Medium article does go a step further by drawing old school search tips, such as the asterisk, quotes, parentheses, and others. These explanations, however, need to be read more than once to understand how the tools work:
My favorite of all, single word followed by a ‘*’ will do wonders. But yeah this will not narrow your results; still it keeps a wider range of search results. You’ll need to fine tune to find exactly what you want. This way is useful in case when you don’t remember more than a word or two but you still you want to search fully of it.
Having used some of these tips myself, they actually make searching more complicated than taking a little extra time to read the search results. I am surprised that they did not include the traditional Boolean operators that usually work, more or less. Sometimes search tips cause more trouble than they are worth.
Whitney Grace, January 18, 2016
January 16, 2017
If you want a selective history of Google, you will want to print out and hang on your wall “Almost Everything You Need to Know About Google’s History.” I would not be surprised is the pride of place goes to a diploma from a University of Phoenix type outfit, but that’s just an assumption on my part. I would point out that there are a few omissions which the Google watchers of the world might want to note. I pulled a few from my back file but I think these are important:
- The idea for Web search which actually included more than a small percentage of accessible Web servers was an old one. The Googley part of Google took inspiration from AltaVista and Jon Kleinberg, one of the IBM Almaden team which did Clever
- Google bought Applied Linguistics, formerly Oingo. That was an important deal just like Google’s purchase of Transformic
- The monetization of Google via AdWords was “inspired” by GoTo.com/Overture.com which Yahoo owned. Prior to the IPO, the GOOG settled out of court for about $1 billion.
Three omissions of this magnitude give you a good idea of how many pivot points have been left out of the carnival ride. Almost covers a great deal of ground, just like some roller coaster cars which jump off tracks.
Stephen E Arnold, January 16, 2017
January 16, 2017
I read “Alphabet Grounds Titan Solar-Powered Drones, Shifts to Project Loon Instead.” Whatever is going on at Google seems to make life tough for those involved in high school science projects. Bummer. Drones down. Balloons still aloft.
The write up explains:
One of X’s most hopeful initiatives involves providing universal internet access via sky-based wireless routers. One of them, Project Loon, uses high-altitude balloons to loft the routers in the air, and that project is still on track. Another, dubbed Titan and using fixed-wing solar-powered drones, isn’t so lucky…
Titan made high-altitude, solar-powered drones that can stay in the air for extended periods of time and could likely serve a variety of purposes for Alphabet. The idea at the time seemed to be to combine the Titan drones with Project Loon balloons to provide internet access to underserved areas of the globe, but it appears that idea has been abandoned.
Alphabet Google needs to find a way to deal with the Alexafication of search. Ad revenue could be the next thing coming down. Will Loon balloons keep the company’s Yahoo-inspired online ad contraption aloft?
Stephen E Arnold, January 16, 2017
January 16, 2017
If you use any search engine other than Google, except for DuckDuckGo, people cringe and doubt your Internet savvy. Google has a reputation for being the most popular, reliable, and accurate search engine in the US. It has earned this reputation, because, in many ways, it is the truth. Google apparently has one upped itself, however, says Eco Consultancy in the article, “How Machine Learning Has Made Google Search Results More Relevant.”
In 2016, Google launched RankBrain to improve search relevancy in its results. Searchmatics conducted a study and discovered that it worked. RankBrain is an AI that uses machine learning to understand the context behind people’s search. RankBrain learns the more it is used, similar to how a person learns to read. A person learning to read might know a word, but can understand what it is based off context.
This increases Google’s semantic understanding, but so have the amount of words in a search query. People are reverting to their natural wordiness and are not using as many keywords. At the same time, back linking is not as important anymore, but the content quality is becoming more valuable for higher page rankings. Bounce rates are increasing in the top twenty results, meaning that users are led to a more relevant result than pages with higher optimization.
RankBrain also shows Google’s growing reliance on AI:
With the introduction of RankBrain, there’s no doubt that Google is taking AI and machine learning more seriously. According to CEO, Sundar Pichai, it is just the start. He recently commented that ‘be it search, ads, YouTube, or Play, you will see us — in a systematic way — apply machine learning in all these areas.’ Undoubtedly, it could shape more than just search in 2017.
While the search results are improving their relevancy, it spells bad news for marketers and SEO experts as their attempts to gain rankings are less effective.
Whitney Grace, January 16, 2016
January 16, 2017
Conventional search engines can effectively index text based content. However, Apache Tika, a system developed by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) can identify and analyze all kinds of content. This might enable law enforcement agencies to track all kind of illicit activities over Dark Web and possibly end them.
An article by Christian Mattmann titled Could This Tool for the Dark Web Fight Human Trafficking and Worse? that appears on Startup Smart says:
At present the most easily indexed material from the web is text. But as much as 89 to 96 percent of the content on the internet is actually something else – images, video, audio, in all thousands of different kinds of non-textual data types. Further, the vast majority of online content isn’t available in a form that’s easily indexed by electronic archiving systems like Google’s.
Apache Tika, which Mattmann helped develop bridges the gap by analyzing Metadata of the content type and then identifying content of the file using techniques like Named Entity Recognition (NER). Apache Tika was instrumental in tracking down players in Panama Scandal.
If Apache Tika is capable of what it says, many illicit activities over Dark Web like human trafficking, drug and arms peddling can be stopped in its tracks. As the author points out in the article:
Employing Tika to monitor the deep and dark web continuously could help identify human- and weapons-trafficking situations shortly after the photos are posted online. That could stop a crime from occurring and save lives.
However, the system is not sophisticated enough to handle the amount of content that is out there. Being an open source code, in near future someone may be able to make it capable of doing so. Till then, the actors of Dark Web can heave a sigh of relief.
Vishal Ingole, January 16, 2017
January 13, 2017
I read “Google Bets Big on Artificial Intelligence.” The content was not too new, but the India-centrism surprised me. Google is chasing India as a revenue source. Sure, the country is the Avis to the Hertz of China. But the Googlers are not thriving in the Middle Kingdom. My thought is that Google doesn’t want to be aced out of the second largest country in the world. If it drowns in the Ganges, that means that Google is not likely to be a player in China, Russia, and India. Those nation states have a lot of customers who will find happiness without the US online ad giant. Bad for Google’s stakeholders. Good for Google competitors who don’t find themselves blocked or bumped from a space ship ride.
The write up offers some interesting factoids; to wit:
- Google’s smart software can detect a diabetic’s problematic retina
- Google supports the Digital India project
- Google wants cheaper smartphones
- When Google develops products and services for India, Google develops for the world. (Keep in mind that the “world” may not include China and Russia, two beefy markets.)
- In three to four years, big software companies will come out of India
- India will compete with the rest of the world, but that “will take a few more years.”
The write up does not provide much information about Google’s smart software. I assume that the headline is designed to get the article about Google indexed by Google.
In short, Google is making sure it has water wings and a life preserver before putting its talons in the river.
Stephen E Arnold, January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017
I read “Alphabet Said in Talks to Sell Skybox Satellite Business.” if true, believers in Alphabet Google’s ability to generate new ideas from acquisitions can embrace Loon balloons. According to the write up:
In June 2014, when Google acquired Skybox, the search giant said its equipment would help keep Google Maps accurate with up-to-date imagery. It also hoped to use the technology to improve internet access and disaster relief. The division operated within Google’s mapping business and it launched a small number of satellites, each about the size of a refrigerator. Alphabet seems to be switching from a strategy of developing its own satellite businesses to investing in other companies pursuing similar goals. The Skybox sale to Planet is an equity transaction, which means Alphabet will own a stake in the latter startup, according to some of the people familiar with the situation.
Net net according the the “real news” source:
Alphabet curbs plans for global internet satellite network.
Ah, Alphabet Google. After 15 years, one revenue stream. Let’s hope that one trick pony is keeping up with its vitamins.
Stephen E Arnold, January 13, 2016


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Facebook giving free Wi-Fi in exchange for check-ins
A new partnership between Facebook and Cisco means that Wi-Fi in the restaurants or shops you visit could become more widely available – after you check-in your location to Facebook, that is. In a bid to attract more merchants to make use of Pages, Facebook is giving patrons the opportunity to make the most of the location check-in feature in order to get free Wi-Fi out of it. Whilst Facebook itself will not profit directly from their partnership, it hopes that the initiative will get merchants involved in the program to buy more adverts, thereby boosting the social network giant’s presence in the local search category.
A test run of the service showed that 25 participating merchants in the San Francisco Bay Area saw a minimum of three times their daily average check in. With the service set to roll out in the coming weeks, we have no doubt that Facebook addicts are going to be checking in all over the place.


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Pharmacists continue to report famotidine shortages following ranitidine recalls and a recent report suggesting use in COVID-19.
Following recent ranitidine recalls and anecdotal reports suggesting use in treating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), famotidine supply continues to run short at some major retailers.
“We are experiencing increased consumer-driven demand for Pepcid and supply is temporarily out of stock in some stores and online. We are taking all possible measures to maximize product availability in a timely and quality-based manner,” McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co. said in a document on its web site.1
Soon after Science Magazine reported on a clinical trial in which patients with severe COVID-19 were receiving intravenous famotidine, the FDA added famotidine to its list of drug shortages.2,3 A pre-proof version of the study suggesting famotidine’s use in patients with COVID-19 was published in May.4
However, at this time, there are not enough data to support its use in this treatment setting. In late June, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommended against the use of famotidine for the sole purpose of treating COVID-19 outside of a clinical trial.5
While there are anecdotal reports from China that individuals who were already taking famotidine had improved survival over those who were already taking proton pump inhibitors, there are not enough data to make a recommendation, IDSA said in its updated COVID-19 management guidelines, Infectious Disease Special Edition reported.4,5
Community pharmacists told Drug Topics® in May that the COVID-19 clinical trial is likely not the root cause of famotidine shortages. Instead, the ranitidine recalls that began late last year first triggered the famotidine shortage.
“I had to order it at Amazon a couple of months ago because we can’t get it in our store,” said Kyona Nason, PharmD, a pharmacist for a national drugstore chain. "It’s been a problem for months since the various ranitidine recalls.”
Some Walmart pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of famotidine. “We are seeing a shortage of famotidine 20 mg and 40 mg tablets from all manufacturers through McKesson, but the OTC famotidine 20 mg is still being shipped to the store from the Walmart warehouse,” Brittany Dwyer, PharmD, a staff pharmacist for Walmart, told Drug Topics®.
Although patients are aware they can get OTC famotidine, some prefer to get it through the Walmart pharmacy as a prescription. “We have a list going of people waiting for us to be able to order it through McKesson,” Dwyer said.
However, no patients have asked about the famotidine in relation to COVID-19, according to Dwyer.
“We have had issues since before ranitidine, but they are way worse now,” said Alexsis Williams, PharmD, pharmacist in charge at a national drugstore chain. “I was checking out the expected dates manufacturers think they will have it back in stock….some said June, some said December.”
1. Pepcid COVID-19 Update and Usage Guidelines. McNeil Consumer Products. Accessed July 16, 2020. https://www.pepcid.com/covid-19-update#i-can-t-find-pepcid-online-or-in-store
2. Borrell B. New York clinical trial quietly tests heartburn remedy against coronavirus. Science. April 26, 2020. doi:10.1126/science.abc4739
3. FDA Drug Shortages. FDA; May 5, 2020. Accessed May 7, 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/dsp_ActiveIngredientDetails.cfm?AI=Famotidine%20Injection&st=c
4. Freedberg DE, Conigliaro J, Wang TC, et al. Famotidine use is associated with improved clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study. Journal Pre-proof. Gastroenterology. May 14, 2020. https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)34706-5/pdf
5. IDSA Updates COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines. Infectious Disease Special Edition; June 26, 2020. Accessed July 16, 2020. https://www.idse.net/Covid-19/Article/06-20/IDSA-Updates-COVID-19-Treatment-Guidelines/58829


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Call us impatient, but documenting the life and times of Apple and its various product lines can sometimes be an exercise in frustration. Whether it’s the mythical white iPhone 4 or an updated version of iWork for Mac, we’re often left tapping our fingers -- and here’s a look at a some of the products we’ve been waiting for the longest.
The invitations have been sent, the banners are flying at Yerba Buena and all that remains now is to see what Apple has on deck for us come Wednesday, March 2 at a special media event that will is expected to reveal the first sequel to the company’s market-leading iPad.
With the the continuous popularity of the iPad and iPod touch, the iPhone's upcoming availability on two American networks and the Mac's growing market share, Analysts are predicting that by 2012 there will be 200 million FaceTime capable devices in the hands of consumers. Consequentially, we predict that by 2012, approximately 200 million people will be fixing their checking for goop between their teeth every time they think about answering the phone.
With Verizon Wireless offering the iPad coupled with their CDMA-flavored MiFi 2200, it’s not a surprise to hear rumors that the next generation of Apple’s tablet may come with a CDMA-compatible radio baked right in alongside GSM so 3G can be used anywhere in the world.
Apple is holding a media event at their Cupertino campus on Wednesday, October 20 and based on the image of a lion peeking out from behind the company logo on their invitation, everyone is expecting a preview of the next Mac OS X 10.7, presumably codenamed “Lion.” But could new hardware also be on the horizon?
Editor's Note:After reading the Google/Verizon Net Neutrality Proposal, we wondered just what would happen if it was actually adopted by the FCC. So we took a guess with a correspondence from the future.
Are you old enough to remember the Internet as it was first imagined: A place of free expression, shared information and equality of access?


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WICHITA — Printing Inc. has laid off 10 to 15 people in the last week, which follows several months of four-day workweeks for employees. The company won’t release how many employees it has.
“We’ve hit the same economic iceberg that everyone else has,” says president Mark Woodman.
He says summer is a traditionally slower time in the industry.
Woodman says the company has a broad base of customers — 50 percent are out of state — across many industries.
“I’ve always felt like we were a pretty good representation of the overall economy,” he says.
And it’s not a pretty picture, he says.
“We’re seeing it in every industry,” Woodman says. “We’re seeing a lot of capacity go out of this marketplace.”
His industry is facing particular challenges.
“I thought I knew what a twit was a year ago,” he says.
Now, Twitter and other social networking sites are taking business when customers use the sites as a way to advertise instead of using printing.
“You’ve got to change with the times,” Woodman says.
He says Printing Inc. will be fine, but he expects some of his competitors won’t be able to make it while waiting for the economy to improve.
Woodman says it makes a difference that Printing Inc. is part of the international Consolidated Graphics.
“Consolidated Graphics is in it for the long run.”


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The lift truck industry spent the better part of 2009 stalled out. In last year’s Top 20 lift truck suppliers story, Modern reported “the fourth quarter [of 2008] saw sales come to a screeching halt.”
Unfortunately, that trend continued for the next four fiscal quarters; worldwide lift truck revenue for 2009 went in reverse, contracting by 39%. But before you read on about last year’s industry woes, know this: Things appear to be turning around in 2010. In fact, Jeff Rufener, president of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA, 202-296-9880) and vice president of marketing for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift of America (MCFA, 713-365-1000), says, “last year we thought things couldn’t get any worse. The industry bumped modern special report started to show some increase.”
About the Author
Lorie King Rogers
Lorie King Rogers, associate editor, joined Modern in 2009 after working as a freelance writer for the Casebook issue and show daily at tradeshows. A graduate of Emerson College, she has also worked as an editor on Stock Car Racing Magazine.
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Vicky’s Beauty Salon, a popular beauty salon in Pune, has recently been hit by a major outbreak of acne, reports Business Standard.
The infection was reported by the health department of Pune’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) on February 12.
According to the health officer, the outbreak was traced to a batch of five cosmetics from Vickys flagship store in the mall.
It has since been brought under control and the company has been notified of the outbreak, reports PTI.
Vicky has been providing cosmetics to its clients in the area since its inception in 2013.
Vickys customer service team has been asked to step up their preventive measures and offer new products, according to a statement issued by the company.
The department has requested the management to immediately make cosmetic samples available to customers.
The cosmetics in question are a moisturiser called Vicky Shine and an eye shadow, according a press release.
The outbreak was reported in February and was not immediately confirmed, but sources told Business Standard that the outbreak of this type was not uncommon for the cosmetics industry.
The outbreak has not been confirmed by any government agencies, however, a department spokesperson confirmed that it was under control.
The health department has also sent a message to customers of Vicky, urging them to make sure to wear eye makeup to avoid contact with the contaminated products.